I Shop at Aldi Every Week - Here Are 12 Items I Never Buy

You save money at Aldi and stretch your grocery budget by purchasing everything from pantry staples to prepared foods. But this doesn't mean everything the affordable retailer stocks is a steal of a deal.

While many of Aldi's products combine high quality with low price, some buys aren't the bargains you might expect.

These are some lower-quality or overpriced items that I never bring back home with me when I go on an Aldi shopping run.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.

Price: $2.35

The price is right with this Aldi bargain buy, but the bagged iceberg blend leaves something to be desired. And if you've noticed the lettuce wilting almost instantly, you aren't alone. 

Aldi shoppers have commented online about this potential problem. Redditor Leprechaunhunter1984 asked, "Has anyone else had the same issue with the bags of salad going bad in less than a week?"

Even though this specific pre-packed mix isn't always the best choice, Aldi has plenty of high-quality fresh produce at budget-friendly prices.

Price: $6.39

While this prepared pulled chicken is convenient, the generous smothering of barbecue sauce may overpower your taste buds. Unless you're a fan of sweet flavors, this BBQ chicken may not please your palate.

Instead of the pre-sauced pick, grill a fresh chicken breast and lightly brush it with Burman's Kansas City, Honey, Hickory, and Brown Sugar, or Original Sauce.

Price: $5.49

With 10 grams of fat and 190 calories in each rich brioche bun, skip the Pains au Chocolat and go straight to the dessert aisle. Luckily, Aldi has plenty of Bake Shop goodies to choose from. 

The Triple Chocolate Creme Cake, Chocolate Cake Bites, and Kitchen Sink cookies are popular fan favorites.

Price: $4.85

Save money and skip this Simply Nature organic peanut butter product. The non-GMO, unsweetened spread is pricier than some of Aldi's similar products. If you're not tied to an organic option, Peanut Delight's creamy peanut butter is only $2.19.

Price: $11.99

The rich, smooth taste of this decadent, Specially Selected EVOO isn't up for debate. While this foodie find is an Aldi treasure, it's also significantly more expensive than other olive oils.

At 16.9 ounces, Simply Nature's organic extra virgin olive oil is $7.99, while Priano's is only $6.39. I usually grab the latter option and add more dollars to my savings. 

Price: $2.99

For almost $3, this eight-ounce bag of Swiss and gruyere blend isn't the best Aldi bargain. Save money by swapping this product for another store-brand option. Happy Farmer's triple cheddar shredded cheese is $3.09, but you'll get four extra ounces for just pennies more.

Price: $15.89 per pound

High-quality Black Angus cuts come at a cost. The $15.89 per pound price tag makes this meat a special occasion-only buy, especially if you're shopping on a budget. Instead of the choice beef ribeye steak, try the $9.99 per pound top sirloin.

Price: $7.29

Burgers shouldn't break the bank. Aldi's 93 percent lean ground beef is pricey, at over $7 per pound.

Keep your budget in check and look for better bargains on Aldi's higher-fat-content ground beef or ready-made frozen burgers. Other retailers, like Walmart, Target, and Costco, also sell lower-priced patties.

Price: $3.09

Sweet Harvest's $3.09 price tag is less than the $3.49 you'll pay for Simply Nature's unsweetened applesauce. 

Before you choose one brand over the other, look at the quantities. Simply Nature gives you over two pounds of applesauce. That's twice as much as the 24-ounce container from Sweet Harvest.

Price: $2.75

Foodies may find this chunk of chicken less than appetizing. With low everyday prices on fresh, uncooked chicken breasts, boneless, skinless frozen chicken, and shredded, cooked rotisserie chicken, you may want to skip the canned version.

Price: $0.55

The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that adults eat less than 1,500 mg of sodium daily. This Casa Mamita mix has 300 mg in every one-ounce packet. 

If you're looking to reduce your salt intake, choose the brand's low-sodium alternative. Both seasoning blends have the same low price of $0.55.

Price: $4.75

Cut costs on your summer barbecue and pass on these pricey all-beef hot dogs. Parkview's classic hot dogs are over $3 less, helping you save money on groceries. While the $1.09 Parkview pack is made from chicken and pork, your friends and family may not notice the difference.

No one is perfect, and that applies to stores, too. Even though Aldi offers a budget-friendly selection of everyday essentials, ready-made meals, freezer finds, and more, some of the store's products miss the mark.

Affordable alternative Aldi brand options and the best cash back credits can help you shop smarter. This strategy lets you stack the savings and keep your budget in check.